Marvelous Made in France Hangbags at Sabatier

The team at Chic Shopping Paris hold a special place in their hearts for things that are Made in France- they are just that much more special to take home with you!  One of our super guides has found an amazing handbag line- Sabatier.  What's so special?  Besides being Made in France and in a super luxe quality leather since 1947, you can customize your bag by switching up the front panel. That's right- the bag in the photo above is the same bag with a different front!  So cool, so chic. Available at 8 different boutiques in Paris and online.

Monoprix: My Mini French Target

Many people who live in Paris frequent Monoprix for their daily essentials, i.e., cheese and wine, among other groceries!  But what visitors to Paris may not realize is that Monoprix stocks a great range of clothing, accessories, baby and kids stuff:  I call it my mini French Target. Here are some great items to scoop up this spring.

A sunny yellow jacket for grey days, in a chic cut that only the French could do.  

Blouson paletot, 69.99€

"Oiseau" (bird) printed cardi, 34.99€

Cotton and linen scarf, 29.99€

Did I mention the kids clothes? Love, love, love the kids department!
Great baby gifts, and gorgeous kids items, like this sweet dress (29.99€)

Monoprix locations here

Retro- Cool Souvenirs at Le Bon Marche

How cute is this new line from Le Bon Marche?  Inspired by architectural elements of the famous department store, along with designs from the archives, the collection has a big range of items that make great souvenirs.  I, for one, will definitely be snapping up some items for my gift closet!

Le Bon Marche
24 rue de Sevres, 7th

Twins for Peace: Chic Sneakers

Twins for Peace was started by two friends in 2009, with an idea similar to Tom's in the US:  Buy a pair, give a pair.  Sounds like a win-win to us!  We get an amazingly cool pair of sneaks [love the ones above!] and get to help out a kid in need.  And as sneakers are all the rage right now, you can be fashionable chic and comfy too.

Twins for Peace
5, rue Commines, 3rd

Also at Colette and Le Bon Marche in Paris

(photo:  @twinsforpeace)

Barbie Does Paris

It makes sense, in a funny way, that the icon of many a childhood should strut her stuff in the fashion capitol of the world.  What are we talking about?  Barbie on display at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, bien sur.  Over 700 dolls are on display, alongside Barbie-inspired art, gowns, and more, with a narritive focused on "Barbie's lives."  A must-see for fans of pop-culture and the beloved B-doll.

From 10 March to 18 September 2016
Tickets online here [French only]

Musée des Arts décoratifs

107, rue de Rivoli, 1st
website

Chic Cadeau- A French Tea Towel

I always think that tea towels make great gifts or souvenirs.  They are one-size-fits-all, unbreakable, and lightweight.  Wendy spotted these beauties at Tumbleweed in the Marais.  

I love how modern and bright they are, a chic cadeau for sure.

Top 5 French Gifts for Royal Babies

Congrats to Will & Kate on the adorable Princess Charlotte!  We thought we'd dedicate this post to the baby gifts we might offer her, if we were invited for tea.  All are available online, if you have a prince or princess in your life to shop for!

This is just too sweet.  Can't you see Princess Charlotte pushing this around Kensington Palace gardens next summer?  aBaby Doll Carriage, $153

In order to have smooth and soft baby skin, French mamans swear by Mustela for babies and themselves.  Mustela Newborn Gift Set, $40

A classic French baby doll, to go in the pram above!

Corolle, Les Classiques, baby doll, $50.48

My girls both LOVED their Sophies- a great squeeky toy and teether.

Sophie the Giraffe, natural rubber teether, $23

I was gifted one of these for my first born and it will be a heirloom, I'm sure.

A baby beautiful blanket.  Bonpoint Baby Shawl, 86€

Chic new resto: Ellsworth

I had a lovely birthday dinner at Ellsworth with some friends [and my mom!] a few weeks ago, and although I was having too much fun to take pictures and/or notes of the food, I thought I'd still share my experience.

The details: Ellsworth is a new spot from the cool American couple behind Verjus and Verjus wine bar.  [More yummy restaurants to try!]  It is a tiny, intimate but fun little place in the 1st, with an amazing sharing menu. [Although, I will admit, my plates were so yummy I actually did not share!]  I had the sprout salad- and I kid you not, my mouth is salivating at the thought it.  The dressing was so great that I could have eaten 3 salads.  And the famous buttermilk chicken? It is all that.  And more. All washed down by some lovely bottles of wine, and followed by apple fritters.  Definitely worth a visit.  [And you can reserve online, and English!]

Trendy Teens in Paris

Over the years, we've had quite a number of teens come on shopping tours.  Some come with very small budgets and big dreams, some come with even bigger dreams of fancy dresses [prom, bat mitzvah, etc], some just hope to see a bit of Parisian style....and I can confidently say that we've left them all as satisfied customers!  Teens who come on a special shopping trip to Paris can be considered a privileged group, to be sure, but we aim to keep our clients of all ages feeling like they've left with a bit of Paris in their bags! There is nothing more exciting than seeing one find the perfect dress- like the young lady above!  If you are coming to Paris with a teen, check out our
Tres Teen tour- it will save you hours of agony trying to figure out where the "cool" shops are for you and your teen.

Chic for Kids! Color your own dress

Wendy spotted this cuteness when out and about the other day....a color your own dress for girls! You color it, wear it, and then you wash it and start again!  The brand, Charabia, also offers t-shirts with the same concept, great for the little artistes in your life.

Charabia, 11 rue Madame, 6th

French made bags

As many of you know, most of the big names in luxury goods make now make their goods outside of France- sometimes in nearby Italy, but many times in factories in Asia.  I don't know about you, but that certainly takes some of the cachet out of buying a French bag.   I'd like one that is actually made with quality materials, in France.  Never mind the logo- don't need it, or would prefer it discreet, s'il vous plait.  

Our intrepid guide, Wendy, is always on the lookout for items that are truly Made in France, and voila!  She came upon 1854 Grunenberger, who still makes their bags in France, since 1854, naturellement.  I think the styles are a great mix of trendy and classy, non?  Available online and in a boutique in the 17th.

Il Fait Beau....it's almost spring!

As the sun starts to warm up our days in Paris, we start thinking of vacation destinations....and apparently the creative team at Monoprix is thinking the same thing.  This cute destination-inspired line of clothing for babies and kids is a fun way to transition into spring.   (It's making me feel the need to pull out my Breton stripes again!)  Prices range from 7.99- 19.99, so the pieces make chic (and cheap!) souvenirs.  At Monoprix shops and online.

Fashionable Macarons

I'll admit that I'm a sucker for packaging- a great looking gift or an eye catching product always wins me over!  Just spotted these uber-colorful Pucci designed Laduree macaron boxes...not only do you get some delectable treats (with seasonal flavors like banana chocolate, yuzu ginger and pineapple!), but you get to keep these sweet and funky box.  [They make great desk organizers.]  Voila!  Spring Paris souvenirs sorted.

Hermes Haute Couture Candles

French designer Guillaume Bardet and perfumer Celine Ellena were taped by Hermes to design their new luxury candle collection, Le Perfum de la Maison.  The result?  These stunning candle bowls, that can be tipped on their sides, along with a paper horse and a scented stone.  The scents are created around five story lines:  Des pas sur la neige, Temps de pluie, Fenetre ouverte, Champ libre, and A Cheval.  Trop chic!

A Chic Shopping Fave: Musee des Fetes Forains

If you have kids or you like off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences, this is the place for you. Stepping into the Musee des Fetes Forains makes you feel like you are in another world, another land, another era-- there is really nothing like it.  A vast collection of carnival rides and memorabilia that lives in the former wine storage warehouses in Bercy [Eastern Paris], the collection/ space is usually only open for private parties and special affairs.  I have been on several occasions and have been swept up by the magique of the place each and every time.   The museum will be open for 10 days at the end of the year [December 26th to January 4th], so if you are in Paris at the time, put it on your must-do list!

Chic Charms at Colette

Who doesn't love getting a little bling for Noel?  This stunning charm bracelet boasts the name of one of Paris' most famous rues- Rue St Honore.  By Aussie designers Dallas and Carlos, this chic & chunky bracelet will sure to be a hit.  Available at Colette, on rue St Honore, bien sur.

A French twist on the boxer

We've been watching this quirky French brand take off for some time now....and I thought now was a great time to introduce Le Slip Francais.  "Slip" is French for boxer and these cheeky numbers are Made in France, with the French flag colors front and center.   A fun gift for the homme who has everything, n'est-ce pas?  The brand also offers boy shorts for girls, alongside a few accessories [espadrilles!] Now available at their first boutique in the Marais.

Le Slip Francais, 137 Vieille du Temple, 3rd

Christmas Markets in Paris

Will you be in Paris this Christmas?  Be sure to check out the Grands Magasins [Galeries Lafayette, Printemps- both pictured above] for their exquisite store windows.  What else is on?  Check out this great list of the Marches de Noel [Christmas Markets].  Joyeux Noel!

It's on tonight!! Chic Shopping Paris founder on HGTV

I'm terrified and curious to watch myself and my family at the same time...tune in to House Hunters International TONIGHT to see Rebecca and family!  HGTV program description here!

Introducing Chic Shopping London!

We are elated to announce the opening of Chic Shopping London!  You've shopped with us in Paris, now visit shop with us across the pond to take home a bit of London in your bag.  We are starting with three tours to help you find the off-the-beaten path London- away from Harrod's and the high streets, we'll help you discover the best London has to offer.